City of Moreton Bay Archives - Page 2 of 2

Eco Fest Returns to UniSC Moreton Bay with Dr Karl Leading the Green Conversation

Photo Credit: What's On Moreton Bay/Facebook

Petrie’s UniSC Moreton Bay campus will transform into a sustainability hub as the Moreton Bay Eco Fest returns this November, bringing families, community groups, and experts together for a day of learning and action.

A Day for the Community

The free community festival runs on Sunday, 9 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie. It is presented by the City of Moreton Bay and delivered by Tourism and Events Moreton Bay.

The Eco Fest promotes simple, practical ways for locals to live more sustainably. Families will explore interactive activities, workshops, and live demonstrations covering topics from recycling to gardening and conservation.

The event invites everyone to take part, whether they are long-time environmental advocates or residents looking to start small changes at home.

Dr Karl Takes the Stage

Australia’s well-known science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will headline the main stage, offering his signature mix of curiosity and clarity to help visitors understand environmental science in everyday terms.

His appearance is arranged through Claxton Speakers International and adds a strong educational highlight to the festival.

What to Expect

Festivalgoers will find community stalls, educational booths, and local food vendors throughout the venue. The main stage will feature a full lineup of entertainment and sustainability talks announced later in the year.

Entry is free, but organisers encourage early arrival to enjoy all scheduled activities. The campus’ status as a wildlife reserve means pets are not permitted, though service animals are welcome.

Supporting Local Action

Mayor Peter Flannery said Eco Fest gives locals a chance to connect, learn, and take small steps toward positive change. Stallholder registrations close on Friday, 5 September 2025. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to showcase sustainable ideas and products.

Partners like Belgravia Leisure, Australian Trade College North Brisbane, Epic Assist, Bishopp, and Akyra Strategy & Development support the shared goal of making sustainability part of daily life.

Published 13-October-2025

Injunction Halts Eviction of Rough Sleepers in Kallangur

Photo Credit: Pexels

Homeless residents camping at Goodfellows Road in Kallangur have been allowed to stay after a legal order prevented City of Moreton Bay from enforcing eviction notices.

Background and Context

On 8 July 2025, Basic Rights Queensland obtained urgent injunctions to stop the City of Moreton Bay from removing rough sleepers at Goodfellows Road, Kallangur. The action followed earlier clearances at Eddie Hyland Park in Lawnton, where belongings were taken using machinery and police escorts.

By 15 August 2025, the court extended protection for 11 applicants, many of whom had already been displaced from other locations. The order prevents the council from enforcing compliance notices until a full hearing in late November.

The Findings

Justice Paul Smith found that removing tents without adequate housing alternatives posed risks to the health and safety of those affected. While acknowledging concerns raised by residents about health and amenity, he said these needed to be weighed against the protections provided by the Human Rights Act.

The court also found that the council had not provided a binding commitment to pause enforcement, leading to concerns that campers could face further removal.

Authorities’ Position

The City of Moreton Bay said the order was limited to compliance notices and did not change the validity of local laws prohibiting camping on council land. It stated that while it would comply with the ruling, it was disappointing that people remained without permanent housing.

Authorities highlighted its efforts to address homelessness, including $3.7 million invested in the Peninsula Support Hub at Redcliffe, support for the Sleep Bus program, and land allocations at Morayfield and Caboolture for future crisis housing.

Queensland homelessness — Photo Credit: Pexels

Legal and Community Response

Basic Rights Queensland and other community groups welcomed the decision, arguing that people experiencing homelessness should not be penalised for lacking housing. Charities also noted that residents at the Kallangur site had few alternatives and needed stability until long-term solutions were available.

Next Steps

The case is scheduled for a full hearing in November 2025. Until then, those staying at the Goodfellows Road site in Kallangur are permitted to remain in place.

Published 27-Aug-2025

New $6-million Operations Centre Planned for Deception Bay Emergency Service Unit

Plans have been releasedf for a new $6-million State Emergency Service (SES) Depot and Emergency Operations Centre in Deception Bay. Considered one of Brisbane’s top-performing SES units, it has been forced to operate from what local officials describe as a “poor quality shed” despite its award-winning status.

Read: Equipping Deception Bay Youth for Success: A Community Grant in Action

The SES Depot is expected to support the rapidly growing region. The current facility, a community-built structure on Old Bay Road dating back to 1985, is struggling with storage issues, recruitment constraints, and outdated facilities that no longer meet operational or training demands.

Deception Bay SES — Photo credit: Deception Bay State Emergency Service – SES/Facebook

The proposed redevelopment aims to transform the depot into a state-of-the-art facility, including:

A modern, purpose-built training facility for high-risk activities
A 9-bay vehicle garage with three double-depth drive-through bays
A new shared expanded carpark with the Dragons Football Club
Accommodation and support services

Local official Peter Flannery highlighted the disparity between the unit’s performance and its working conditions. “The Deception Bay SES Group is in the top two percent of busiest SES groups in Queensland and the City has had a 182 percent increase in SES service requests over the year, yet they are working from a poor quality shed,”he stated.

The Deception Bay unit’s accolades include the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup for SES Unit of the Year, recognising their work during the 2022 floods and support in missing persons searches. This week, the broader Moreton Bay SES Group won the 2024 Unit/Group of the Year at the SES Week State Award Ceremony.

Despite these achievements, funding remains a challenge. The City of Moreton Bay has allocated $3.75 million to the redevelopment in the 2024-25 budget and committed over $300,000 in design and development costs. However, the State government has not agreed to match the funding on a 50/50 basis.

Photo credit: Deception Bay State Emergency Service – SES/Facebook

“The team are doing extraordinary things, but capital funding investment by the State is needed so they can continue to ably support our community.

“As we move into severe weather season, and on the back of climate change and the relentless pace of emergencies and disasters, such as the severe flooding and storm events we experienced earlier in the year, this is now desperate,” he also emphasised.

The Deception Bay SES Group, part of the larger Moreton Bay SES Group with over 270 volunteers, responded to more than 250 direct requests for assistance in their primary area last year. They also handled over 500 requests during three large-scale weather events across Moreton Bay.

Read: Deception Bay in the Crosshairs as New Flight Paths Proposed for Brisbane

As plans for the new Operations Centre await full funding, the Deception Bay SES unit continues to serve from its ageing facility, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure investment in critical emergency services.

Published 15-September-2024